Share

Fujifilm Middle East announced the launch of the flagship X-H1 at an event in held in Dubai on March 7th 2018. Combining a robust, durable body with superior image quality and easy operation, the FUJIFILM X-H1 is the first camera in the series to include 5-axis 5.5 stops (*1) in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the new Eterna Film Simulation feature for video reproduction.

The new camera is aimed at professional still and video shooters with "H" in the X-H1 model name standing for 'high performance' and aims to improve upon the features of other models in Fujifilm\s X series, in particular the X-T2. The X-H1, with a newly-designed robust and durable body, incorporates a range of extremely useful features that support shooting in various scenarios demanded by professional photographers, videographers.

The first section of the presentation was focused on improvements to the new camera body, designed for better image stabilisation and to be more reliable and durable.

The X-H1 is the first X Series model to include the latest 5-axis in-body image stabilisation technology (IBIS), which has a maximum of 5.5 stops as well as a flicker reduction mode designed to enhance the quality of indoor sports photography. In combination with existing FUJINON XF lenses, the camera allows the use of the 5-axis image stabilisation in excess of 5-stops, with the exception of some lenses. The camera is also compatible with a range of other interchangeable lenses due for release later this year.

The first internal in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) system to feature in an X Series camera, harnesses three axial accelerometers, three axial Gyro sensors, and a specially developed dual-processor. Combined, this achieves the high speed of approximately 10,000 calculations per second. A laser measurement device is used during the process of manufacturing the image stabilisation unit, controlling component flatness and position with twice the precision of standard components.

In addition to the camera's dust-resistant, water-resistant properties, and the ability to operate in temperatures down to -10°C, the camera also uses a 25% thicker magnesium alloy compared to the X-T2. FUJIFILM has also modified the structure for attaching the mount, resulting in a more compact size and lighter weight body that maintains high precision and strong resistance to impact shock torsion and other sources of deformation. Increased particle size on the camera's external surface provides a high-quality scratch-resistant coating with a surface hardness equivalent to 8H.

The viewfinder is a high-magnification, high-precision electronic viewfinder. The magnification ratio of 0.75 times and the 3.69 million resolution leads the class for mirrorless cameras. The viewfinder display is extraordinarily smooth, with a display time lag cut down to just 0.005 seconds and a frame rate of 100 frames per second, allowing the photographer to instantly confirm the movement of the subject and position of the focus with great precision.

The X-H1 uses the APS-C size X-Trans CMOS III sensor (24.30 million pixels, without low-pass filter) and the high-speed image processing engine X-Processor Pro. This proprietary FUJIFILM technology was first seen in the X-Pro2 and then X-T2 cameras, receiving many awards globally.

Considering autofocus in particular, the X-H1 has a new algorithm and has improved low-light and continuous AF. A new AF-ON button has been added to the back of the camera. This makes it easier to operate the autofocus with the thumb, allowing the photographer to focus on using their index finger to operate the shutter-release button. In addition, other modifications have been made to improve operability, including the enlargement of the buttons on the rear of the camera and improvements to the grip of the front and rear command dials. The X-H1 also features focus lever that facilitates rapid, accurate movement to the desired focus point. During Fujifilm's internal testing, the X-H1 hit focus 75% of the time in low-light AF testing scenario.

The latter part of the presentation focussed on video production for movie production. The X-H1 can record DCI 4K video, a first for an X Series camera, and it can do so at a bit rate of 200Mbps with internal log recording. Another big feature added in the X-H1 is the new Eterna Film Simulation. Based on Fujicolor Eterna 500, a negative film stock, the Eterna feature moves memory colours in the opposite direction, giving the image a more subdued, cinematic and neutral look which users shooting video prefer in contract to needing vibrant colours for still photography.

This mode simulates cinematic film, creating understated colours and rich shadow tones, greatly enhancing creative freedom during post-processing. This feature makes a difference to the quality of videos taken by the camera. The Eterna film simulation has soft tones in shadow and highlight areas and can deliver 12 stops of dynamic range when the camera is set to DR 400%.

The launch event opening presentation was followed by demonstration sessions as attendees were invited to experience using the X-H1 camera for photography with models and photo studios arranged by Fujifilm.

Virtualisation for Broadcast and Media Production has suffered from a lack of a solution tailored to the industry requirements. Dubai based 7 Dwarfs is trying to change that with a solution that meets the most demanding production needs.

ChannelSculptor’s Heba Korayem explains the changing dynamics of the MENA content market, and how mena.tv, the region’s first online content marketplace, is working to facilitate greater cooperation between regional buyers and rights holders.

Don't Miss a Story

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and stories in the broadcast and production space in the Middle East and Africa straight to your inbox.